CA AB1221

Authorizes counties to establish children's advocacy centers to provide a coordinated multidisciplinary response to investigations of child physical or sexual abuse, exploitation, or maltreatment.

Requires multidisciplinary teams to include representatives from law enforcement, child protective services, district attorney's offices, medical providers, mental health providers, and victim advocates, with cultural competency training.

Mandates children's advocacy centers provide dedicated child-focused settings for forensic interviews, use written case review protocols, and ensure medical evaluators and mental health providers have specialized training in child abuse cases.

Permits multidisciplinary team members to share confidential information concerning the child, family, and subject of investigation solely for facilitating forensic interviews, case discussions, or providing services.

Provides civil and criminal liability protection for multidisciplinary team members, child forensic interviewers, and other providers offering services through children's advocacy centers.